I-beam mounted work ladder

ABSTRACT

A support structure for supporting workers from an I-beam comprises a ladder and a platform that are pivotally attached to each other. The pivoting nature of the support structure allows the geometry of the support structure to be interlocked with the geometry of the I-beam in a manner rigidly attaching the support structure to the I-beam. When attached to the I-beam, the platform preferably extends horizontally in a cantilevered manner to provide a surface upon which a worker can stand. The ladder assists the worker in accessing the platform.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to the field of ladder assemblies. Moreparticularly, this invention pertains to a ladder assembly that isadapted and configured to be removably secured to an I-beam.

(2) Background

I-beams are commonly used as structural supports. In some cases, I-beamsare elevated above a floor or ground level and scaffolding or the likeis suspended therefrom to provide access to an elevated work area. Thisis common in military aircraft service areas, where portions of aircraftbeing serviced are elevated from the floor or ground level, thusrequiring workers to elevate themselves via such scaffolding or withladders. While step ladders and scaffolding certainly serve the purposeof elevating the worker, they are sometimes unstable and do not providean adequate work surface.

In view of the foregoing, the inventor has appreciated the desirabilityof providing a support structure that is adapted and configured to beremovably attached to and supported by a single I-beam. Additionally,the inventor has appreciated the desirability of providing a platformand a ladder attached to such a support structure in a manner to providea surface upon which a worker can stand and a means for such worker toaccess the platform from ground level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, a support structure in accordance with the inventioncomprises a first clamping member, a second clamping member, a ladderand a support platform. The support structure is adapted for use with anelevated I-beam having a generally vertical web, a generally horizontalupper flange at an upper end of the web, and a generally horizontallower flange at a lower end of the web. The upper flange, web, and lowerflange define a first channel of the I-beam on a first side of the weband a second channel of the I-beam on an opposite second side of theweb. The first clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that isconfigured and adapted to be positioned within the first channel of theI-beam. The second clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that isadapted to be positioned within the second channel of the I-beam. Thesecond clamping member is movably connected to the first clamping memberin a manner such that the first and second clamping members are moveablerelative to each other between a clamped configuration and an unclampedconfiguration. In the clamped configuration, at least a portion of theweb of the I-beam are clamped between the beam-engaging portions of thefirst and second clamping members. In the unclamped position, thebeam-engaging portions of the first and second clamping members aresufficiently spaced from one another to permit disengagement of thesupport structure from the I-beam. The ladder is attached to one of thefirst and second clamping members, and the support platform is attachedto the other of the first and second clamping members.

In another aspect of the invention, a support structure comprises afirst clamping member and a second clamping member. The supportstructure is adapted for use with an I-beam having a generally verticalweb, a generally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, anda generally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web. The upperflange, the web, and the lower flange define a first channel with agenerally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and asecond channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on anopposite side of the web. The first clamping member has a beam-engagingportion that is dimensioned to mate with the first channel surface. Thesecond clamping member has a beam-engaging portion that is dimensionedto mate with the second channel surface. The second clamping member ispivotally connected to the first clamping member in a manner so that thefirst and second clamping members are moveable relative to one anotherbetween a clamped configuration and an unclamped configuration. In theclamped configuration, the first and second clamping members are matedwith the first and second channel surfaces, respectively. In theunclamped configuration, the beam-engaging portions of the first andsecond clamping members are sufficiently spaced from one another topermit disengagement of the support structure from the I-beam. Thepivotal connection of the first and second clamping members is locatedgenerally adjacent the upper flange of the I-beam when the supportstructure is secured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.Therefore, the weight of the first clamping member results in agenerally horizontal force being exerted inwardly against the firstchannel surface by the beam-engaging portion of the first clampingmember, and the weight of the second clamping member results in agenerally horizontal force being exerted inwardly against the secondchannel surface by the beam-engaging portion of the second clampingmember, when the support structure is secured to the I-beam and is inthe clamped configuration.

In still another aspect of the invention, a support structure for usewith an elevated I-beam comprises a ladder and a support platform. Theladder has a pair of generally parallel side rails with a plurality ofgenerally horizontal steps extending therebetween. The ladder has afirst clamping member connected to an upper end of at least one of theside rails. The first clamping member has a beam-engaging portion thatis dimensioned to mate with a generally C-shaped first channel surfaceof the I-beam. The support platform has a generally horizontal supportsurface that is of sufficient area to support a worker situated thereon.The support platform has a second clamping member with a beam-engagingportion that is dimensioned to mate with the C-shaped second channelsurface of the I-beam. The second clamping member is pivotally connectedto the first clamping member in a manner so that the first and secondclamping members are relative to each other between a clampedconfiguration and an unclamped configuration. In the clampedconfiguration, the first and second clamping members can be mated withthe first and second channel surfaces, respectively. In the unclampedconfiguration, the beam-engaging portions of the first and secondclamping members are sufficiently spaced from one another to permitdisengagement of the support structure from the I-beam.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method comprises a step ofproviding an I-beam having a generally vertical web, a generallyhorizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, and a generallyhorizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web. The upper flange, theweb, and the lower flange of the I-beam define a first channel with agenerally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and asecond channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on anopposite side of the web. The method further includes a step ofproviding a support structure that comprises first and second clampingmembers, a ladder, and a platform. The first clamping member is movablyconnected to the second clamping member. Furthermore, the methodcomprises a step of removably securing the support structure to theI-beam by moving the first clamping member relative to the secondclamping member in a manner such that a portion of the first clampingmember is positioned within the first channel of the I-beam and aportion of the second clamping member is positioned within the secondchannel of the I-beam such that the support structure is in interlockedgeometry with the I-beam. Additionally, the method comprises a step ofremoving the support structure from the I-beam by moving the firstclamping member relative to the second clamping member in a mannerpositioning the first and second clamping members outside of the firstand second channels of the I-beam.

Other features of the invention will be in part apparent and in partpointed out hereinafter. While the principal advantages and features ofthe present invention have been described above, a more complete andthorough understanding and appreciation for the invention may beattained by referring to the drawings and detailed description of thepreferred embodiment, which follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a supportstructure in accordance with the invention, shown mounted to an I-beam.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the support structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of a supportstructure shown in FIG. 1, shown with its support platform pivotedrelative to its ladder portion in a manner allowing the supportstructure to be removed from the an I-beam.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the support structure of FIG. 3.

Reference characters shown in these Figures correspond to referencecharacters used throughout the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of a support structure in accordance with theinvention is shown in FIGS. 1-4. In general, the support structure 10comprises first 12 and second 14 clamping members that are movablyconnected to each other. The various components of the support structure10 are preferably formed of aluminum or other suitably strong and rigidmaterials.

The first clamping member 12 preferably comprises a beam-engagingportion 16 and a ladder 18. The beam-engaging portion 16 of the firstclamping member 12 preferably comprises an elongate C-shaped member 20,a top plate member 22, and a pair of brackets 24. The top plate member22 preferably comprises a hinge member 26 along one of its longitudinaledge margins and is preferably attached to the top of the C-shapedmember 20 along its opposite edge margin. The C-shaped member 20comprises a top portion 28, an intermediate portion 30, and a bottomportion 32 that together form a channel 34. Each of the brackets 24preferably extends outwardly in a cantilevered manner from within thechannel 34 of the C-shaped member. Preferably, each bracket 24 iswelded, or otherwise rigidly connected to each of the top 28,intermediate 30, and bottom 32 portions of the C-shaped member 20 so asto provide substantial stiffness between the brackets and the C-shapedmember.

The ladder 18 of the first clamping member 12 preferably comprises apair of spaced-apart rails 36 and a plurality of rungs or steps 38spanning horizontally therebetween. The top end of each rail 36 ispreferably rigidly attached to a respective one of the brackets 24.Preferably, the rails 36 are to the brackets 24 in a manner such thatthe rails extend downward and outward in an incline manner with respectto the top plate member 22 of the beam-engaging portion 16.

The second clamping member 14 of the support structure 10 preferablycomprises a beam-engaging portion 40 and a support platform 42. Similarto beam-engaging portion 16 of the first clamping member 12, thebeam-engaging portion 40 of the second clamping member 14 preferablycomprises an elongate C-shaped member 44 and a pair of brackets 46.Likewise, the C-shaped member 44 preferably comprises a top portion 48,an intermediate portion 50, and a bottom portion 52 that together form achannel 54. Furthermore, each of the brackets 46 is preferably rigidlyconnected to each of the top 48, intermediate 50, and bottom 52 portionsof the C-shaped member 44 and extends outwardly in a cantilevered mannerfrom within the channel 54. The support platform 42 is preferablyrigidly connected to each of the brackets 46 and comprises a hingemember 56 along its longitudinal edge nearest the C-shaped member 44.The hinge member 56 of the second clamping member 14 is connected to thehinge member 26 of the first clamping member 12 and cooperates therewithin a manner such that the first and clamping members are pivotallyconnected to each other.

Configured as described above, the support structure is configured andadapted to be removably secured to and supported by an I-beam 58, asshown in the Figures. Such an I-beam 58 generally comprises a generallyvertical web 60, a generally horizontal upper flange 62 teeing from theupper end of the web, and a generally horizontal lower flange teeingfrom the lower end of the web. As such, the upper flange 62, web 60, andlower flange 64 define a first channel 66 of the I-beam 58 on one sideof the web and a second channel 68 of the I-beam on an opposite side ofthe web.

To secure the support structure 10 to the I-beam 58, the second clampingmember 14 is pivoted upward relative to the first clamping member 12 ina manner as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this configuration, thebeam-engaging portion 16 of the first clamping member is then broughtinto engagement with the I-beam 58. In particular, the top plate member22 of the first clamping member 12 is engaged against the top surface ofthe upper flange 62 of the I-beam 58, and the C-shaped member 20 of thefirst clamping member 12 is inserted into the first channel 66 of theI-beam. The second clamping member 14 is then pivoted downward relativeto the first clamping member 12 in a manner such that the C-shape member44 of the beam-engaging portion 16 of the second clamping member movesinto the second channel 68 of the I-beam 58. The gravitational forcesacting on the first 12 and second 14 clamping members acts to force theC-shaped members 20,44 of the first and second clamping members towardeach other. The C-shaped members 20,44 of the first 12 and second 14clamping members are preferably dimensioned such that they conformclosely with first 66 and second 68 channels of the I-beam 58 so thateach engages against the I-beam's upper flange 62, web 60, and lowerflange 64. As such, the intermediate portion 30 of the C-shaped member20 of the first clamping member 12 and the intermediate portion 50 ofthe C-shaped member 44 of the second clamping member 14 press againstthe web 60 of the I-beam 58, and thereby secure the support structure 10to the I-beam.

Once secured to an I-beam as discussed above, the support platform 42 ofthe second clamping member 14 provides a surface upon which workers canstand to access objects at heights above which they could reach whenstanding at lower elevations. Additionally, the ladder 18 of the firstclamping member 12 is preferably configured to extend downward to anextent such that the lowermost step 38 is positioned a comfortablestepping distance above some other surface. As a person climbs theladder 18 from such other surface, the weight of the person creates anadditional force on the first clamping member 12 that creates a pullingforce on the second clamping member 14 in a direction toward the firstclamping member. However, the weight of the second clamping member 14creates a clamping force against the I-beam 58 that is sufficiently highto resist movement of the support structure 10 relative to the I-beamwhen this occurs. Likewise, when a person stands on the support platform42, the pulling force created on the first clamping member 12 is reactedby the reaction force created by the weight of the first clampingmember.

When desired, the support structure 10 can be removed from the I-beam 58by simply reversing the steps of attaching the support structure to theI-beam. Thus, it should be appreciated that the support structure 10provides a simple and practical way for workers to utilize I-beams toelevate themselves.

While the present invention has been described in reference to aspecific embodiment, in light of the foregoing, it should be understoodthat all matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative andnot in a limiting sense and that various modifications and variations ofthe invention may be constructed without departing from the scope of theinvention defined by the following claims. Most notably, it should beappreciated that all of the elements or method steps described inreference to the preferred embodiment need be present or performed.Thus, other possible variations and modifications should be appreciated.

Furthermore, it should be understood that when introducing elements ofthe present invention in the claims or in the above description of thepreferred embodiment of the invention, the terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be open-ended and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements.Similarly, the term “portion” should be construed as meaning some or allof the item or element that it qualifies.

1. A support structure for use with an elevated I-beam having agenerally vertical web, a generally horizontal upper flange at an upperend of the web, and a generally horizontal lower flange at a lower endof the web, wherein the upper flange, the web, and the lower flangedefine a first channel of the I-beam on a first side of the web and asecond channel of the I-beam on an opposite second side of the web, thesupport structure comprising: a first clamping member having abeam-engaging portion that is configured and adapted to be at leastpartially positioned within the first channel of the I-beam; a secondclamping member having a beam-engaging portion that is configured andadapted to be at least partially positioned within the second channel ofthe I-beam, the second clamping member being movably connected to thefirst clamping member in a manner so that the first and second clampingmembers are moveable relative to each other between a clampedconfiguration wherein the beam engaging portions of the first and secondclamping members engage at least a portion of the web of the I-beambetween them and an unclamped position wherein the beam engagingportions of the first and second clamping members are sufficientlyspaced from one another to permit disengagement of the support structurefrom the I-beam; a ladder attached to one of the first and secondclamping members; and a support platform attached to the other of thefirst and second clamping members.
 2. The support structure of claim 1wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member arepivotally connected to each other in a manner to permit pivotingmovement of the first and second clamping members relative to oneanother about and axis.
 3. The support structure of claim 2 wherein theaxis is located generally adjacent and generally parallel to the upperflange of the I-beam such that gravitational force acting downwardly onthe first clamping member results in a generally horizontal force beingexerted inwardly by the first clamping member against a portion of theweb that partially bounds the first channel, and gravitational forceacting downwardly on the second clamping member results in a generallyhorizontal force being exerted inwardly by the second clamping memberagainst a portion of the web that partially bounds the second channel,when the support structure is attached to the I-beam and is in theclamped configuration.
 4. The support structure of claim 1 wherein thesupport platform extends generally horizontally and outwardly from theI-beam in a cantilevered fashion when the support structure is attachedto the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 5. The supportstructure of claim 1 wherein the beam-engaging portion of the firstclamping member is configured and adapted to engage the upper flange,the web, and the lower flange when the support structure is attached tothe I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 6. The support structureof claim 5 wherein portions of the upper flange, the web, and the lowerflange of the I-beam together define a generally C-shaped first channelsurface that partially bounds the first channel, and wherein thebeam-engaging portion of the first clamping member is dimensioned tomate with the first channel surface when the support structure isattached to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 7. Thesupport structure of claim 5 wherein the beam-engaging portion of thesecond clamping member is configured and adapted to engage the upperflange, the web, and the lower flange when the support structure isattached to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 8. Thesupport structure of claim 5 wherein portions of the upper flange, theweb, and the lower flange define a generally C-shaped second channelsurface that partially bounds the second channel, and wherein thebeam-engaging portion of the second clamping member is dimensioned tomate with the second channel surface when the support structure isattached to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 9. Thesupport structure of claim 1 wherein the support platform includes agenerally horizontal support surface that is of sufficient area tosupport a worker situated thereon when the support structure is attachedto the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 10. A supportstructure for use with an I-beam having a generally vertical web, agenerally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, and agenerally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web, the upperflange, the web, and the lower flange defining a first channel with agenerally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and asecond channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on anopposite side of the web, the support structure comprising: a firstclamping member having a beam-engaging portion that is dimensioned tomate with the first channel surface; and a second clamping member havinga beam-engaging portion that is dimensioned to mate with the secondchannel surface, the second clamping member being pivotally connected tothe first clamping member in a manner so that the first and secondclamping members are moveable relative to one another between a clampedconfiguration wherein the first and second clamping members mate withthe first and second channel surfaces, respectively, and an unclampedconfiguration wherein the beam engaging portions of the first and secondclamping members are sufficiently spaced from one another to permitdisengagement of the support structure from the I-beam; wherein thepivotal connection of the first and second clamping members is locatedgenerally adjacent the upper flange of the I-beam so that weight of thefirst clamping member results in a generally horizontal force beingexerted inwardly by the first clamping member against the first channelsurface and weight of the second clamping member results in a generallyhorizontal force being exerted inwardly by the second clamping memberagainst the second channel surface, when the support structure issecured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 10. Thesupport structure of claim 9 further comprising a support platformattached to one of the first and second clamping members.
 11. Thesupport structure of claim 10 wherein the support platform includes agenerally horizontal support surface that is of sufficient area tosupport a worker situated thereon.
 12. The support structure of claim 10further comprising a ladder attached to the other of the first andsecond clamping members.
 13. The support structure of claim 10 whereinthe support platform extends generally horizontally and outwardly fromthe I-beam in a cantilevered manner when the support structure issecured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 14. A supportstructure for use with an elevated I-beam having a generally verticalweb, a generally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, anda generally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web, the upperflange, the web, and the lower flange defining a first channel with agenerally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and asecond channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on anopposite side of the web, the support structure comprising: a ladderhaving a pair of generally parallel side rails with a plurality ofgenerally horizontal steps extending therebetween, the ladder having afirst clamping member connected to an upper end of at least one of theside rails, the first clamping member having a beam-engaging portionthat is dimensioned to mate with the first channel surface of theI-beam; and a support platform having a generally horizontal supportsurface that is of sufficient area to support a worker situated thereon,the support platform having a second clamping member with abeam-engaging portion that is dimensioned to mate with the secondchannel surface of the I-beam, the second clamping member beingpivotally connected to the first clamping member in a manner so that thefirst and second clamping members are moveable relative to each otherbetween a clamped configuration wherein the first and second clampingmembers mate with the first and second channel surfaces, respectively,and an unclamped configuration wherein the beam engaging portions of thefirst and second clamping members are sufficiently spaced from oneanother to permit disengagement of the support structure from theI-beam.
 15. The support structure of claim 14 wherein the pivotalconnection of the first and second clamping members is located generallyadjacent the upper flange of the I-beam so that weight of the ladderresults in a generally horizontal force being exerted inwardly by thebeam-engaging portion of the first clamping member and weight of thesupport platform results in a generally horizontal force being exertedinwardly by the beam-engaging portion of the second clamping memberagainst the second channel surface, when the support structure issecured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 16. Thesupport structure of claim 14 wherein the support platform extends fromthe I-beam in a cantilevered manner when the support structure issecured to the I-beam and is in the clamped configuration.
 17. A methodcomprising: providing an I-beam having a generally vertical web, agenerally horizontal upper flange at an upper end of the web, and agenerally horizontal lower flange at a lower end of the web, the upperflange, the web, and the lower flange defining a first channel with agenerally C-shaped first channel surface on one side of the web and asecond channel with a generally C-shaped second channel surface on anopposite side of the web; providing a support structure comprising firstand second clamping members, a ladder, and a platform, the firstclamping member being movably connected to the second clamping member;removably securing the support structure to the I-beam by moving thefirst clamping member relative to the second clamping member in a mannerso that a portion of the first clamping member is positioned within thefirst channel of the I-beam and a portion of the second clamping memberis positioned within the second channel of the I-beam, whereby thesupport structure is in interlocked geometry with the I-beam.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising the step of removing the supportstructure from the I-beam by moving the first clamping member relativeto the second clamping member in a manner to position the first andsecond clamping members outside of the first and second channels of theI-beam.
 19. A method in accordance with claim 17 wherein the first andsecond clamping members of the support structure are pivotally connectedto each other and wherein the step of removably securing the supportstructure to the I-beam and the step of removing the support structurefrom the I-beam each comprise pivoting the first and second clampingmembers relative to each other.
 20. A method in accordance with claim 19wherein the step of providing the support structure occurs in a mannersuch that the ladder of the support structure is attached to the firstclamping member and the platform is attached to the second clampingmember.
 21. A method in accordance with claim 20 wherein the platformextends horizontally and in a cantilevered manner from the secondclamping member when the support structure is secured to the I-beam.